Carving and Chasing with Michael Kosinski
May 4-10, 2026 $4200
What to Expect
This project is a labor of love for Michael. He has carved out several floral designs inspired by our visit to Florence in 2023. His friends at Potter USA will be making a die out of this carved piece especially for Metalsmiths in Vicenza. Michael will strike the die at Metal Arts Academy on the die press he used to use at Van Craeynest when he was just starting out in the trade. These stampings will travel to Italy where he will instruct students on the technique of carving the piece using gravers, burs and files, and piercing out the negative spaces. Using handmade chasing punches. Students will learn the skills to chase the pendant to give it texture, sculpting the design to bring it to life.
Students need to posess solid knowledge of sawing, filing, and soldering skills.
❋ Level: IntermediateJoin a small group (six!) of jewelry makers to learn this traditional technique in one of Italy’s most important jewelry hubs and a sweet little town on it’s own.
❋ Collaborative EnergyLed by Monica Cardone of Ciao Monica, a metalsmith herself, makes sure your time during the week is fun, smooth, and keep things moving with purpose.
❋ Expert Facilitation
Michael R Kosinski
Trained as an apprentice at Van Craeynest, Inc. in San Francisco, Michael has more than 40 years in the jewelry trade working with other jewelers as well as having his own jewelry design and manufacturing company. He now focuses on sharing his deep knowledge and high level of craftsmanship with his students at Metal Arts Academy. See more of his work on Instagram @mrkosinski_jewelry
What’s include?
6 nights Accommodations
We’ll be staying at the lovely Palazzo Scamozzi. This hotel is located within the prestigious palace Braghetta Pagello, built in 1780. It takes its name from architect Ottavio Bertotti Scamozzi and is situated just a few steps from Piazza dei Signori which is the heart of the city. Comfy, clean, and friendly service.
The building has remained unchanged over the time and after a very careful two-year-long renovation work the designers have carefully curated the furniture which creates an harmony between ancient charm and modern design.
A charming breakfast room is available everyday of our week where we will feast on a full breakfast offering.
Private Wine Tour and Tasting
After all of our hard work in the studio, this day we venture off to the tiny town of Gambellara to taste the famous wines made from the Garganega grape.
Visit the Jewelry Museum
Visit Italy’s first jewelry museum and one of the only ones worldwide dedicated exclusively to jewelry. The exhibition features jewelry from antiquity to contemporary.
Day in Venice
After all that work of goldsmithing, we explore Venice with a visit to San Marco Basilica, where you’ll get a peek into the true culture of Venice. Lunch and leisurely stroll through Venice with a sneaky aperitivo along the way.